Associate in Massage

Massage therapy is found in all cultures across the globe. Its history dates back to ancient times when this therapy was in wide use for a number of health-related conditions. Massage therapy can be defined as the manipulation of tissues and muscles to help relax and promote well-being. Many individuals seek massage therapy for all kinds of purposes ranging from recreational purposes to healing purposes. There are many different types of massage, each for a specific purpose. In the United States, massage therapy was first introduced by Per Henrik Ling in New York.

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With its growing popularity, massage therapy has also evolved into a poplar academic field. Now students interested in becoming massage therapists can acquire specialized education in this field and prepare for a rewarding career ahead. Many schools offer massage therapy degree programs both online and on-campus. Students can enroll in massage therapy degree at all levels ranging from an associate degree to a master's degree in massage therapy.

Associates Degree in Massage Therapy
An associate degree in massage therapy is one of the most basic degree programs available in this field. This program is an undergraduate program that can be earned after completion of high school education. The time needed to complete an associate's degree ranges from 2 to 3 years.
An associate degree in massage therapy prepares students for entry level job positions. Students enrolled in this program learn about various massage skills and theory based knowledge. It is important that individuals understand the basics of a human body and are well aware of its functions. To make sure students have a solid knowledge base about body functions, the program covers fundamental subjects such as anatomy and physiology. On the other hand, the program also covers important advanced level subjects related to the field such as the following:

Motion and flexibility

Pain relief

Stress reduction

Medical terminology

Functional restoration

Apart from these core subjects, much of the program components are covered through training sessions. Hands-on experience is crucial in this field. Students spend a great amount of time practicing the various massage therapy techniques. Some of the major types of massage therapy include acupressure massage, amma massage, ayurvedic massage, deep tissue massage, and sports massage.

Licensing
After earning an associate degree massage therapy, a person must apply for a professional license. This license can only be attained after clearing the National Certification for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork examination. The requirements may vary slightly from state to state. It is not possible to apply for a job as a massage therapist without a legal license.

Job Prospects
You can work as a massage therapist in a healthcare organization or even provide private services. The job position will depend upon factors such as experience and your level of qualification. The specialization area also plays a key role in determining the type of massage therapist job you can pursue. The income for entry level massage therapists is approximately $21,000. This figure can go up to as much as $100,000 with more experience and advanced education.